Enjoy your diving trip to any one of these amazing and underestimated diving spots and have a vacation to remember! Flickr

If you love scuba diving you’ve probably already visited some of the planet’s most popular dive spots. Bali, the Maldives and the Red Sea are just three of the best known places that keen divers flock to every year. However, there are lots of other dive beaches around the world that are well worth seeing but which are shockingly underrated. Here are some of the best kept secrets for adventurous divers out there who want to get off the beaten track.

Thailand – Koh Lipe

While Koh Lanta, a few hours further north is a well-known diving hotspot, Koh Lipe is a surprisingly beautiful place to explore the underwater world. The picturesque beaches here have stunning turquoise water and some spectacular marine life. Seahorses, shrimps, ghost pipefish and stone fish are common residents here while the soft corals under the water’s surface make Koh Lipe a dream for drift divers.

Koh Lipe. Flickr

Canada – Newfoundland

While Canada isn’t well known for its warm and inviting waters, the beaches of Newfoundland are an amazing place to dive as long as you’re prepared for the chill! This north-east region of Canada may have cold temperatures but when you put on a dry suit and head underwater you’re sure to be impressed by the sea life here. Iceberg Alley is one of the best places to explore as you can see enormous ice chunks floating past. If you’re a fan of enormous marine creatures, minke and humpback whales can often be spotted in the summer months, while the sites just off St Johns are perfect for wreck divers. You can still see ship equipment and sailors’ belongings under the water thanks to the preserving properties of the cold water so head to Conception Bay to see no less than four shipwrecks under the water.

Malaysia- Perhentian Islands

While you may have experienced diving off Borneo, if you head 30 minutes away to the north east coast of Malaysia you’ll find two islands that are the perfect spot for divers. Pulai Kecil and Pulau Besar are the Perhentian Islands and they are the perfect place for laid-back divers. You can choose from deep much dives or shallow reef dives as well as several wreck sites. There’s also plenty of fish to see including scorpionfish, stingrays, snappers and black tip reef sharks.

Perhentian Islands. Flickr

South Africa – Coral Gardens, Cape Town

If you’ve ever headed to South Africa for a spot of diving you were probably cage diving with Great Whites. However there are lots of other diving activities here that don’t involve getting up close and personal with all those terrifying teeth. Head to Coral Gardens off the Cape Peninsula and see amazing colors of coral as well as an enormous diversity of sea creatures. There’s an amazing kelp garden to explore as well as spectacular giant granite boulders and even better, if you’re a novice scuba diver you’ll still be able to get the most out of your trip since the deepest part of the site is just 18 meters.

Indonesia – Sulawesi

While most people who travel to Indonesia head to Bali, Sulawesi in the north is a perfect place for divers to explore. Once known as Celebes, this island has a distinctive squid shape and boasts some amazing diving opportunities. The crystal clear waters and spectacular sea life makes this one of the best places to get under the water. Not only that, but it’s also a wonderful place to find out more about the local culture, with the burial rites of the southern highlands being especially fascinating. You’ll certainly not regret arranging a diving trip to this out of the way location.

Sulawesi. Flickr

If you’re ready to get off the beaten track and explore some of the world’s most underrated dive sites you’re going to need to make sure you have all the essential equipment that you need. If you view this link you’ll find all the information you need to know about choosing the best diving gear to suit your requirements. The helpful advice that you’ll find will make your trip even better.

Enjoy your diving trip to any one of these amazing and underestimated diving spots and have a vacation to remember!

The country is home to a wide variety of cafés, which offer range of cuisines from Arabic, European to Asian. Wikimedia Commons

If your travel itinerary is based on your taste buds, then Israel is your dream destination. The country is home to a wide variety of cafés, which offer range of cuisines from Arabic, European to Asian.

This food is blessed by the Mediterranean sun and topped off with garnishes of crisp fruits, nuts and vegetables. The fresh dairy products and meats are a great reason to feast upon.

Falafel is a vey famous Israeli dish. Wikimedia Commons

IANS Life picks out some must-try dishes in Israel :-

Challah – A Jewish ceremonial bread, braided and brushed with egg white and baked to perfection

Sabich – Pita pockets stuffed to the brim with crispy fried eggplant, hardboiled egg, creamy hummus and tahini, along with salad and pickles. The sandwich is an absolute favourite among locals and a top pick street food, when you’re in Tel Aviv.

Jerusalem Bagel – Unlike typical bagels, this one is elongated, soft, slightly sweet and similar to regular bread. Vendors sell freshly baked Jerusalem Bagels all over the streets of the Old City, usually accompanied with some za’atar

Bourekas – Similar to the Indian samosa, potato, cheese or spinach stuffed triangles of filo-dough, topped with toasted sesame seeds. Head to Leon and Sons in Jaffa for a taste of this flaky treat.

Khachapuri – This traditional Georgian dish in Mahane Yehuda Market is made with eggs and cheese is combined in an eye shaped dough. Dip the outer crust in the rich and oozing centre of egg and cheese.

Rugelach – Made with chocolate, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts or fruits. Head to Marzipan Bakery in Jerusalem to dig into this oozing chocolate filled delight.

Sambusak – Mashed chickpeas, onions and spices wrapped in a triangular dough pocket. For an Indian style sambusak, visit Tandoor in Tel Aviv.

Shakshuka – Shakshuka is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, sweet and spicy peppers and is often spiced with cumin and topped off with freshly cut herbs. Head to Dr. Shakshuka and swipe your bread across the pan to pick up the runny egg drenched sauce.